If you don’t know what IDX is, don’t fret – it’s the Internet Data Exchange otherwise known as your MLS feed.  For years many agents would simply use a link to their broker site so their prospects could search for homes.  Another solution was to “Frame” the page inside your website to make it look like you had your own search feature.  If you didn’t know – there are actually a couple of free solutions for the IDX. 

We have been using and have become quite comfortable with the solution provided by Realty Soft.  Their IDX has the following features at no cost- displayed in the left column and the pay IDX is on the right:

  FREE
General Features    
Display MLS Listings on Your Website
Showcase Your Listings
Showcase Your Office Listings
Client Friendly Interface
Automatic Listing Updates
Easily Integrates With Other Websites and blogs
Complies with All MLS / IDX Regulations
Customize Your Own Listings
Customizable Look & Feel  
Create Custom Search Result Pages By Price, Keyword or Any other Criteria  
Listing Comparison  
Search Multiple MLSs Using one Interface  
Search Features    
Search By City, Zip, Map, School, Proximity, Neighbourhood, Address and MLS Number
Advanced Listing Search Capabilities
Keyword Search
Mapping Features    
Advanced Search By Map Functionality
School & Points of Interest Data
Street View, Hybrid View and Train View of each Property
Refine Results Right on The Map
Property Details Features    
Detailed Listing Information
Street, Hybrid and Train View Maps
Nearby School Data Integration Right From Education.com
Points of Interest Data
Community Information & Demographics
Comparables and Recently Sold Listings
Estimate Property Value by Zillow, CyberHomes and Eppraisal.com
Sales Trends
Virtual Tour Integration
Display Open House Data
Lead Capture Features    
Receive Leads Via Email
Enable or Disable Forced Registration  
Lead Capture Contact Forms  
Schedule a Showing Feature  
Visitors Can Sign Up for Email Alerts  
Share Listings with Family & Friends through Social Networking Sites  
Lead Management Features    
Manage Leads Using RealtySoft CRM  
Manage New Leads and Contacts  
Manage Emails, Documents, Tasks, Notes for Each Lead and Contact  
Access To Your Clients Login / Registration Area  
Client Area Features    
Interactive Client Login / Registration Area  
Customizable Mortgage Settings  
Save Favorite Properties  
Leave Notes for Each Property  
Communicate with Your Clients  
Save Favorite Searches  
Upload Files & Documents  
SEO Features    
Framed IDX (IDX resides on idx.realtysoft.com domain name)  
SEO Friendly IDX (IDX resides on search.YourDomain.com or any other subdomain you like)  

Without a doubt, this is the single most sought after component of a REALTOR’s website.  If you have any questions about IDX or VOW’s, or anything about your Real Estate or Real Estate related website, please let us know.

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5 comments untill now

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  2. It’s hard to find good information like this.

  3. I can see that you are an expert at your field! I am launching a website soon, and your information will be very useful for me.. Thanks for all your help and wishing you all the success in your business.

  4. Gabrielle @ 2010-12-30 07:30

    Good info – it’s not available in all states and/or areas .. like Arizona. Maybe soon!

  5. I really appreciate this wonderful post that you have provided for us.

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